Cookbooks I Love

The Joy of Cooking.  Don't even get me started; got my first one from my bestie, Annie, way, way, way back in the 90s.

The Cook's Illustrated Cookbook.  It's not a cookbook; it's an education.  (I must give a big shout out to my wonderful friend, Lori, who turned me onto this gem.)  There is NOT a bad recipe in here, and it teaches you everything.  Everything.  Except maybe how to bone a duck.  That's Ms. Child's specialty.  The best part is that it's not "just" a cookbook; it's a conversation.  It gives you the why it works behind every single recipe.  As in why our recipe is better than yours, only they are not snotty about it.  Plus, the illustrations are frame worthy.  (Really.  You can order prints online.)

Rosie's Bakery Chocolate-Packed, Jam-Filled, Butter-Rich, No-Holds-Barred Cookie Book. This is the gold standard of cookie books and was given to me by The Cake Lady, JoAnn, also back in the 90s.  I've used this cookbook so much that if I whistle, it will jump off the shelf, lay itself flat on the counter, and open to the recipe for sugar cookies.

Cooking for an Allergy-Free Lifestyle.  Whether you are cooking with allergies in mind, this cookbook offers delicious recipes and an incredible amount of helpful information on substitutions.  I do admit that the author, Tammi Forman, is a relative, but that has nothing to do with it.  This is a fantastic, well-written cookbook full of delicious recipes.  Enjoy!

The Joy of Vegan Baking.  I am not vegan;  I am a Native Texan.  That being said, my dear friend, Dr. Pia Salk, is vegan and loves to bake.  This is her go-to guide, and I'm going to give it a try on this very blog.  Stay tuned!  In the meantime, I can tell you this:  the book offers the most extensive and interesting discussion of egg substitutes (from applesauce to tofu to vinegar and baking soda) that I have ever seen.  I am totally serious.  If you are into the science of baking at all, this book is for you.

Let's Cook Japanese Food! A recent addition from my awesome friend, Sawami, who is the best cook ever.  I wish she lived next door.  I'd eat at her house every. single. day.

Cooking with Nonie.  This is a collection of my grandmother's best recipes edited by yours truly.  Nonie was awesome, even though she had a penchant for gelatin.  What can I say?  She was a woman of her generation.  I will share recipes, I promise.

[MORE to come....]